Irish Cancer Society

"When you sign up to host a Big Pink Breakfast, you are choosing to help people affected by breast cancer like me and my family" - Patrice Morrissey, Breast Cancer Survivor and Ambassador.

Registration to host your Big Pink Breakfast this October to support breast cancer patients like Patrice is now open.

A Big Pink Breakfast can be anything from a family get together, a community bake sale or a coffee morning in work. There are loads of ways to get involved this Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
Visit cancer.ie/pink to find out more!

September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, at the Irish Cancer Society, we're here to help families navigate this challenging journey with a range of supports:

🌈 Freephone Support Line: Our compassionate cancer nurses are available to listen, advise, and provide information. Call freephone 1800 200 700.

🎨 Creative Arts Therapy: Designed to support emotional expression, social interaction, physical improvements, and cognitive goals.

👨‍⚕️ Counseling Services: Emotional support and counseling for both children and their families.

🫂 Peer-To-Peer Support: Connects parents with trained parent volunteers of children who have been treated for cancer in the past.

Whether it’s practical, emotional, or financial support, we’re here for you! 💛

If you or someone you know needs help, please reach out or visit cancer.ie/children for more information.

Our next camp is on the 27th to 29th of September 2024 a three-day bereavement camp for children who have lost a parent to cancer.

“A magical safe haven that wraps you in a virtual blanket and smothers you in a good way with love and support.” - Parent Participant, Autumn Camp 2023

The Irish Cancer Society in partnership with Barretstown are hosting a weekend away for families to reconnect, find support, learn coping skills, have an adventure, and meet others who are in a similar situation.

Contact [email protected] or [email protected] for more information.

Join us again this year at Herbert Park on September 14th, for the Terry Fox Run 2024!

At 18 years old, Canadian Terry Fox was diagnosed with bone cancer and told his right leg would need to be amputated above the knee. Terry came to a simple conclusion – more money was needed for cancer research. And so, decided to run across Canada to raise funds for cancer research!

Since relaunching the in Ireland in 2021, the Terry Fox Run has raised just shy of €60,000 for groundbreaking cancer research!

Register today at cancer.ie/Fox

Getting to treatment can present challenges for some patients.

Our incredible Transport team alleviate these worries, and our volunteer drivers make this easier by providing a free lift to and from chemotherapy appointments.

If you'd like to get involved apply now at cancer.ie/drive

Self-care means looking after yourself – physically and emotionally.

Self-care is important for patients and carers alike, everyone needs time to rest and recharge.

To find out more about supports available to you visit cancer.ie/support

Introducing another of our amazing Summer Studentship participants, Precious!

“My name is Precious Olatunji and I am about to start my Final year as a Pharmacy student at RCSI. Through the Irish Cancer Society studentship, I’ve had the incredible opportunity to work on a project titled “Exploring the clinical, economic and patient impact of fixed versus indefinite treatment durations of pembrolizumab across cancer indications.”

Pembrolizumab, a PD-1 inhibitor, has revolutionised cancer treatment, by offering durable responses and improving survival outcomes. However, the optimal treatment duration remains uncertain. Some regimens prescribe pembrolizumab indefinitely, while others follow fixed-duration protocols. Determining the optimal treatment duration could potentially reduce costs, minimise side effects, decrease time spent in oncology wards, and enhance overall patient well-being.

This studentship has enabled me to explore the impact of treatment duration from a clinical, patient-centered, and economic perspective. By evaluating the efficacy, safety, and cost-effectiveness of different treatment durations, this study aims to provide evidence-based recommendations to optimise treatment and inform health technology assessment (HTA) decisions.

This experience has been invaluable, deepening my understanding of HTA methods and developing my skills in literature review and appraisal. Overall, this studentship has been an enriching journey, enabling me to contribute meaningfully to cancer research while significantly improving my research skills.”

We can't wait to see the incredible work you'll do in the field! 💛

Going through a cancer diagnosis, or know someone who is? 💛

Our free Cancer Support Packs are here to help. Inside, you'll find information booklets, service guides, and more to support you or your loved one through this time.

Order yours today at cancer.ie/supportpacks ✨

Our Support Line has been hearing from cancer patients affected by delays to treatment, surgeries and follow up care.

We understand how distressing this can be for patients and their families and if you’ve been affected we’re here for you.

Our specialist cancer nurses are available on our Support Line Mon-Friday on freephone 1800 200 700 or email us anytime on [email protected]

As the chill in the air creeps in, and the Autumn weather draws nearer it is the PERFECT time to revamp your wardrobe in a sustainable way!

With our Irish Cancer Society charity shops 💛 There's something for everyone, at a price that won't hurt your wallet (even if you go on a spree 😉)

See cancer.ie/charityshops for the full list of locations 📍

We will be in The Square Shopping Centre, Tallaght this week on Wednesday 21st & Thursday 22nd of August! 💛

This is a free walk-in service, so no booking needed, just pop down and have a chat with one of our wonderful nurses! ✨

We hope to see you there 💛 👩‍⚕️

Don't forget, our next family camp is taking place on the 13th – 15th of September, and registration is OPEN!

Available for all families affected by childhood cancer the camp is a weekend away full of activities, adventure, making memories, and meeting others going through the same experiences, with the peace of mind that medical staff are always on hand!

Families can apply directly via: barretstown.org/families-and-campers/registration/ or by emailing [email protected] for more information! 💛

As a cancer researcher and PhD student at University College Dublin, Adele Connor has been supported by the Irish Cancer Society for over three years now.

Adele is particularly excited by the prospect of “outsmarting” cancer, she says “Cancer can be creative in how it affects our bodies, so working out ways to outsmart it and overcome its infiltration inside the body can be incredibly rewarding.”

And Adele is making waves in this regard with the use of a pre-clinical model known as “patient-derived explant” - a first-of-its-kind in UCD! “This work was not being carried out in UCD before, and my work has helped to get this model initiated so that other researchers can implement them going forward in their research."

Thank you Adele for striving for kinder, better treatments for all. Read more at cancer.ie/yourstories 💛

Make your special day even more meaningful by choosing Irish Cancer Society wedding favours! 💛✨

Support those affected by cancer and honour the memory of loved ones in a heartfelt way.

With our wedding favours you'll help fund vital services and research, bringing support, comfort and care to families across Ireland. Celebrate your love while making a difference. 💍🌼

Visit cancer.ie/wedding for more!

We will be in Galway Shopping Centre this week on Wednesday 14th & Thursday 15th of August! 💛

This is a free walk-in service, so no booking needed, just pop down and have a chat with one of our wonderful nurses! ✨

We hope to see you there 💛 👩‍⚕️

Our next family camp is taking place on the 13th – 15th of September, and registration is now open!

Attendees enjoy a free weekend away full of activities, adventure, creative play, delicious meals and relaxation.

Families can apply directly to Barretstown at: https://brnw.ch/21wLMKP
Or email [email protected] for more information! 💛

“I won’t stop supporting patients and their families.”

Brenda has been volunteering with the Irish Cancer Society for 15 years in our charity shops and for 8 years in a Daffodil Centre.

As a cancer survivor, Brenda knows just how important emotional and practical supports are to people going through cancer.

Her favourite part of volunteering is putting people affected by cancer at ease. "When people leave the Daffodil Centre a little less anxious than when they came in, you know you have made a difference!"

Cllr Mary Farrell, from Kilmuckridge, Gorey, Co. Wexford, is overwhelmed by the support for her sunflower field fundraiser.

"Inspired by a similar fund-raising event in West Cork and having witnessed firsthand the care provided by the Night Nurses, I wanted to find a meaningful way to give back," Mary shares.

"The community's goodwill in West Cork was truly heartwarming, and I aimed to replicate that spirit in Kilmuckridge."

Mary has organized a sunflower field fundraiser to support local groups and donate at least half of the proceeds to the Irish Cancer Society Night Nursing service.

"This cause is deeply personal," Mary explains. "When my mum needed palliative care six years ago, our family wanted her to be at home with us. The Irish Cancer Society Night Nurses made this possible, and we want to honour their incredible support."

In April, Mary teamed up with local businessman Shay Hammell, who offered a field behind his premises as the perfect location for the sunflower field.

"Shay was eager to help, particularly since his family had benefited from the Night Nurse service and his sister is a local Night Nurse."

The farming community, local commuity groups and Tir LAN have been instrumental, preparing the field with ploughing, harrowing, spraying, and sowing.

"The outpouring of volunteer support has been remarkable,"

"The community spirit is truly inspiring, in every way possible from donations of time, labour, equipment, skills and more and we hope to make this as successful as possible, Likewise local businesses have donated what they can to help and we appreciate all these efforts."

The "Pick and Donate" sunflower field will open tomorrow, weather permitting.

"We’re excited to see the first blooms," Mary adds. "We invite visitors to pick sunflowers, make a donation, and share their stories. This event underscores the importance of the Night Nurse service during challenging times."

“The sunflower field fundraiser is set to be a heartwarming community event, celebrating unity and supporting a cause that touches many lives.”

We are less than a week away from the excitement that is Hurling For Cancer Research 2024!

Next Monday, August 12th we'll see GAA legends face off in a clash of the ash with a difference! 🏆

Don't miss out on what promises to be a spectacular evening of sport! Grab your tickets at: idonate.ie/hurlingforcancerresearch

Got questions? Need support? Our Freephone Support Line has you covered!

Our cancer nurses are here to help with everything from peer support to nutrition advice. No question is too big or small - we're here to listen and provide the support, guidance, and advice you need.

Call us on Freephone 1800 200 700 (9am - 5pm, Monday - Friday) or email us anytime at: [email protected]

You’re not alone. Reach out today and share this resource with anyone who may need it! 💛

As part of the Irish Cancer Society advocacy team Suzanne won't stop pushing for change and advocating for patients and their families.

“One thing I’d really like people to know about the Irish Cancer Society is just the breadth of our work. Until I joined the organisation, I didn’t realise the full extent of supports we offer. The Support Line, the Transport Service, the Night Nursing service, free counselling – and so much more. Being part of such an impactful organisation is something I am really proud of."

Read more about Suzanne's work at cancer.ie/yourstories

Today marks World Lung Cancer Day. To mark this day, we chat to lung cancer researcher Dr. Catriona Dowling about her work.

“I lost my aunt to cancer almost 14 years ago, and it was then that I became extremely interested in the topic,” explains the University of Limerick researcher, who wanted to use her skills to try to help prevent the same fate befalling others.

It started her on a road that took her to a leading New York research facility famed for its expertise in lung cancer.

But the proud Kerry woman always knew she would come back to share her insights and help improve the lives of patients in Ireland.

At the moment she is studying an aggressive form of non-small cell lung cancer. More specifically, she is targeting KRAS-driven non-small cell lung cancer which is notoriously hard to treat, and patients currently have very few options once diagnosed.

Dr Dowling believes that the combination of a therapy recently approved by the US Food & Drug Administration with another that targets a particular protein important for non-small cell lung cancer can provide new hope for such patients.

With the help of funding from the Irish Cancer Society and the Health Research Board she is aiming to eventually progress this to a clinical trial, with the ultimate goal of pioneering a new and more effective way of treating this condition.

For Dr. Dowling, the advancement of innovative new clinical trials and research projects in Ireland is absolutely crucial.

“It was the Irish Cancer Society who first gave me my scholarship to carry out my PhD and they’re contributing funding to this project now.

"As a scientist seeing my work being translated into a clinical setting and making a difference to patients’ lives, that’s what gives me my passion and that’s what got me into this career in the first place over a decade ago.

“I always say to people that it’s an honour to get up in the morning and do something that you love every day.

“I saw a doctor present at a conference who talked about a patient who she put on a clinical trial, and she’s now seen her daughter get married and her grandchild being born. That’s the difference this work can make.”

Join us for Hurling For Cancer Research on August 12th at Netwatch Cullen Park! 🌟

Witness the clash of the ash as GAA legends battle it out in an unforgettable evening of sports, fun, and support for those affected by cancer across Ireland. 🏑💪

Don't miss your chance to meet some of the legendary GAA players in person and support a cause that truly makes a difference!

Grab your tickets now at: idonate.ie/event/hurlingforcancerresearch
and be part of an epic night! 🎟️✨

🏃‍♂️🌟 Ready for a challenge? Take on Marathon in a Month! 🌟🏃‍♀️

This is the marathon everyone can complete! Choose any month and conquer 42km at your own pace. Whether you walk, run, or jog, every step counts towards supporting cancer patients and their families across Ireland.

Beyond showing your support you'll also reap the benefits of Marathon in a Month!
🌞 Get out in the fresh air
💪 Boost your fitness levels
🧘‍♀️ Improve your mental health
🌳 Enjoy the great outdoors

Visit cancer.ie/MIAM to join the challenge! 🌟